Frequently Asked Questions
What is a traditional birthworker?
A traditional birthworker is a non medical support person who assists with physical, emotional and helps you dive into your own innate knowing during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum time. Traditional birthworkers work ouotside the medical system and only attend homebirths with authentic midwives or unassisted. Some of them also offer knowledge inplacenta encapsulation, herbal support, homeopathy, miscarriage and so much more.
What is the difference between a traditional birthworker and a midwife?
A birthworker is someone who supports in emotional, physical and spiritual support. A midwife is a medical professional who provides medical care during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Depending on if a midwife is licensed or not will dictate how she shows up to support you. Licensed midwives abide by certain laws as unlicensed don’t. The training is the same. Be sure to ask your midwife what she is willing to compromise to give you the kind of birth you are choosing.
How do traditional birthworkers help during childbirth?
Every traditional birthworker is different on their approach to birth and their birth philosophies. Some are very hands off so the birth is left undisturbed. Some are more hands on to provide comfort measures if this is important to you. Get clear on what you are desiring for support.
What is the difference between a traditional birthworker and a doula?
They are actually the same but also different. I do not call myself a doula as I do not do hospital or birth center births. Doulas are more for those providing support in a medical setting where as traditional birthworkers only work outside the medical system.
What if I hire a traditional birthworker and I have to be transferred to the hospital?
Your support doesn’t change cause your birth wishes changed. We go where you go!
Will the traditional birthworker help support my partner?
Absolutely! We are there for your partner too and do not replace them in supporting you. We instead guide them on how to support you if they need it. During the prenatal time we also help support them and answer any questions they may have. During childbirth we are there to guide and answer questions and help them in decision making and taking breaks for rest, food, drink and the bathroom.
When should I hire a tradtional birthworker?
The earlier the better! Having a traditional birthworker before you even conceive can be really helpful. Some traditional birth workers are trained in fertility and can help assist you in getting the right nutrition and help you through navigating decisions with your care.
When will my traditional birthworker come be with me when I go into labor?
This all depends on the doula but often times they will come be with you in early labor if you feel you need support. Some birthworkers wait until you are in active labor. You may also want to spend time in early labor with just you and your partner. It all depends on your preferences!
What is a postpartum birthworker?
A postpartum birthworker is someone who offers emotional, educational resources, meal prep and light house duties for the postpartum time.
What does a postpartum birthworker do?
A postpartum birthworker provides resources for postpartum healing and other support you may need. Breastfeeding support, light cooking, running errands, cleaning and animal care. They can answer any questions you and assist in newborn care. If you have other children they can also help with integration, emotional support, and prepping meals.
When should I hire a postpartum birthworker?
It’s ideal if you hire your postpartum birthworker during pregnancy to make sure you establish a relationship, go over you needs for support, and make sure they can schedule you.
What does the schedule look like for a postpartum birthworker?
The range is anywhere from 2-3 times a week for 2-6 hours. It’s all up to how much you want them to visit as well!
How do I find the right birthworker for me?
It’s most important to first get clear on the kind of person you want supporting you through the most vulnerable time of your life. Do you want someone who is direct and logical or gentle, hands on with comfort measures? Do you want someone cheering you on or staying mostly quiet and witnessing you? Are you interested in holistic approaches? Do you want and assisted or unassited birth? Do you want someone with years of experience? Someone who you feel a connection with? Get clear on what kind of emotional support and physical support you want during you birthing year. Once you have figured that out interview as many birthworkers as you are comfortable with and then trust your intuition. Finding the right birthworker for you is most important. None of us get offended if you don’t choose us!
As far as postpartum birthworkers it’s important to have the same general questions but more fitting for how you want to feel during your postpartum time and if there is any specifics on what your needs are.